Friday 13 August
Juventus to try again for Chelsea's Mutu
Tribal Football
Juventus are set to try again for Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu. Coach Fabio Capello still wants a fourth striker and director general Luciano Moggi will attempt to reopen talks with Chelsea over the Romania international.
Mutu's agents, Gio Becali and Andrea Pretti, are due to speak with Chelsea this weekend to discover if the London club genuinely wants to get the striker off their books. If Juve receive encouragement, Moggi will attempt to bring the ex-Parma man back to Italy .
Juventus to offer Limbersky for Udinese's Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Juventus are considering offering Udinese Genoa's midfielder David Limbersky in part-exchange for Marek Jankulovski. Aware of Inter Milan's increased interest in the Czech Republic international, Juve have stepped up negotiations with Udinese over the past 48 hours.
Juve's offer of Olivier Kapo and Giorgio Chiellini for the Czech has been turned down. But Udinese trainer Luciano Spalletti would be interested in a deal involving Genoa's Limbersky.
The youngster spent last season on-loan with Modena, but Juve have first refusal on the midfielder and could sign him before sending the 21 year-old to Udinese in part-exchange for countryman Jankulovski.
Italy 2 - 2 Ghana
Football Italia
Giampiero Pinzi and Alberto Gilardino staged an Olympic fightback to draw 2-2 with Stephen Appiah's Ghana in their debut match.
The other match in Group B saw Paraguay beat Japan 4-3 in an action-packed game. Italy's next opponents will be the Asian outfit on Sunday August 15 before facing Paraguay on the 18th.
The Azzurrini began their Olympic challenge by taking on much-fancied Ghana. There were several changes from the side that conquered the European Under-21 Championships in May, most notably the inclusion of over-age players Andrea Pirlo, Matteo Ferrari and Ivan Pelizzoli.
Milan midfielder Pirlo is the most prolific player in the history of Italy's Under-21 squad with 16 goals and was given the captain's armband.
There were some familiar faces in the Ghana line-up, such as Juventus midfielder Stephen Appiah and Chievo defender John Mensah. This competition has not brought Italy much luck in the past, as they last won a medal - gold - in 1936.
There were timid penalty appeals after nine minutes when Alberto Gilardino hooked a splendid long pass from Pirlo, but John Mensah used his strength to nudge the Parma man off the ball.
Osei blasted a long-range effort over the bar for Ghana, then Gilardino and Daniele De Rossi got in each others' way as an enticing Gianpiero Pinzi cross was floated in from the right.
The first yellow card went to Andrea Barzagli for a shirt tug on Gyan Asamoah, and from the resulting free kick Pelizzoli was secure on Appiah's effort.
There was controversy moments later when Giuseppe Sculli was booked for diving, even if he lost his footing and stood up immediately to try and play the ball.
Daniele Bonera performed a crucial challenge to clear Appiah's cross before Baffour could pounce at the back post, but Italy also went close with Sculli's low drive that shook the side-netting.
However, it was Ghana that took the lead after 35 minutes of play. Appiah's run started the move and his low cross cut back behind the Azzurrini defence to find Emmanuel Pappoe's sweeping shot off the back post.
Italy hit back and Roma youngster De Rossi's powerful effort from distance swerved just wide of the upright before Pirlo curled one of his trademark free kicks inches over the bar.
Pinzi's counter-attack came to nothing after Angelo Palombo fired straight at the goalkeeper from a promising position.
Juventus midfielder Appiah was dominating the match and he doubled Ghana's lead just before the break with a simply magnificent solo effort. He rode two tackles before unleashing a spectacular dipping volley into the top corner from 25 metres.
In first half stoppages Asamoah nearly made it three when his effort was deflected on to the roof of the net.
The Azzurrini got back into the match within four minutes of the restart. Emiliano Moretti's long cross found Udinese midfielder Pinzi's fantastic right-foot volley to leave the goalkeeper stranded.
Claudio Gentile made his first substitution on 53 minutes, replacing the quiet Sculli with his Brescia teammate Simone Del Nero.
De Rossi set up Gilardino with a spectacular bicycle-kick, but the Parma man was halted for a dubious handling offence, then the Roma midfielder's piledriver skimmed the woodwork. Italy were now taking the initiative and pushing Ghana into their own half, so the Africans made two changes.
Reggina wide man Giandomenico Mesto was decisive in the European Championship win and took the field for the last half-hour in place of goalscorer Pinzi.
Ghana were now only dangerous on the counter-attack and Pelizzoli was solid on Boakye's long-range effort, while Appiah struck the side-netting.
Gilardino chested down a long ball forward and was mid-way through his turn and volley when Mensah swung wildly at the ball to clear.
There was a controversial incident on 78 minutes when De Rossi gathered Gilardino's headed ball across the face of goal and flicked it over the 'keeper, but some desperate defending managed to clear the ball off the line. De Rossi insisted that he had been tripped on Owu's leg as he attempted to jump over the shot-stopper, but the referee waved play on.
De Rossi was furious with this decision and Gentile opted to replace him with Marco Donadel soon after.
The Azzurrini finally drew the match level with their star striker, Alberto Gilardino. Del Nero cut a pass in through the centre for him to spring the offside trap and the Parma man needed two attempts to turn it past the desperate goalkeeper.
Italy should really have won it at the death when Del Nero was left completely alone due to a failed offside trap, but the Brescia player seemed more surprised than anyone else and weakly aimed his shot at Owu's stomach.
Deep into stoppages, Gilardino was hauled down on the edge of the box and provided Pirlo with one last shot at a winner, but he curled it over the crossbar.
Thursday 12 August
Alex urges Juve focus
Football Italia
Alessandro Del Piero believes all is not lost in their Champions' League quest, but Juve's setback forces the club into some major transfer moves.
"It was a strange match and took us by surprise," confessed the Bianconeri captain after their shock 2-2 draw with Swedes Djurgarden. "We have the chance to turn this situation around."
Juventus must now win in Sweden - or play out a high-scoring draw - in two weeks' time if they are to qualify for the competition proper.
"Djurgarden are in better physical shape than us and it showed. The rain didn't help either, as during our best form of the game it started to pour down and it became impossible to control the ball."
"But we cannot blame the weather or our fitness levels," concluded the captain. "Quite simply, we need to work hard and believe in ourselves."
The Bianconeri are at least not lacking in character after fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, but this performance only confirms the doubts many fans had over the summer.
A selection of new signings are expected over the next few weeks, with negotiations already in place for Lazio's Massimo Oddo, Cesar and Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski.
The particularly poor showing in defence has also pushed the club into reviving its interest in Inter man Fabio Cannavaro. The Azzurri captain has struggled during his spell at the San Siro and would relish the opportunity to work with Fabio Capello, who had also requested him at Roma.
There are also precious few options upfront following Marco Di Vaio's sale to Valencia, so it is reported Juventus are making a bid for Udinese hitman Vincenzo Iaquinta. The club would prefer taking the 25-year-old on loan with the option to buy at the end of the season for £2m, perhaps including Marcelo Zalayeta in a swap deal.
Director General Luciano Moggi has been accused of 'penny-pinching' by the Italian press this summer, but the Juventus coffers are not as full as they once were. This morning the shareholders' meeting closed the 2003-04 accounts with losses of £11.4m. Last year the Bianconeri ended the campaign with profits of £1.4m.
Juventus coach confident of winning in Sweden
Tribal Football
Juventus ace Alessandro del Piero insists all is not lost, despite Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Djurgardens in their Champions League qualifier. Juve must now win in Sweden to progress to the Champions League group stage and Del Piero admits it will be a difficult task with Djurgardens' season in full swing.
"That was the major difference," Del Piero said yesterday while reflecting on the previous night's clash. "They're well ahead of us in terms of fitness. But I think we did very well to retrieve two goals.
"The conditions made it even more difficult. It was very tough to control the ball with the rain so heavy. But we don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves. We must work hard this week, prepare, and believe in ourselves that we can win over there."
Coach Fabio Capello also said: "I am very confident we will win in Sweden. Once we got Ruben Olivera onto the pitch we managed to control the tempo of the game. We have that extra quality that will assure us of victory next week."
Juve interest for Inzaghi Jr
Football Italia
Pippo Inzaghi has already worn the Bianconeri jersey and the same honour could be bestowed upon his younger brother Simone.
It is well known that Juventus are looking for a tall striker to act as back-up to David Trezeguet, especially after last night's 2-2 draw with Djurgarden highlighted the lack of strength in depth, but their options have been limited by a tight budget.
The move for Adrian Mutu collapsed, while Parma continue to maintain that Alberto Gilardino is not for sale. Simone Inzaghi would fit the bill, as he is available due to Lazio's severe financial difficulties and does not mind a benchwarmer role.
It is reported he would be available for just £1.7m plus the loan of French midfielder Olivier Kapo or Uruguayan forward Marcelo Zalayeta. The two clubs are already in negotiations as Juve have targeted fullback Massimo Oddo and winger Cesar, although Inter are in pole position for the Brazilian.
Valencia ahead of Juventus, Udinese for Romagnoli
Tribal Football
Juventus and Udinese are on the fringes of the race for San Lorenzo midfielder Leandro Romagnoli. Clarin says Valencia lead the chase for the young Argentine, who has also been the subject of enquiries from Villarreal and Borussia Monchengladbach.
The interest of Juve and Udinese could hinge on the future of Marek Jankulovski, though those close to Romagnoli say he favours a move to the Spanish Liga over Italy. Valencia are said to be offering £2.5 million for the midfielder.
Juventus move for Udinese striker Iaquinta
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is in talks with Udinese over striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. The 25 year-old is wanted by Juve to act as understudy to David Trezeguet and a season-long loan deal is on the table for the player.
Juve are willing to pay £2 million for co-ownership of Iaquinta this season and is also prepared to include Uruguayan Marcelo Zalayeta in the deal.
Wednesday 11 August
Del Piero turns on doubters
Football Italia
There is a growing swell of opinion that Alex Del Piero's career is over, but the Juve man is determined to prove them wrong by winning the Champions' League.
"I am not worried by criticism," insisted the Italian international, "and just concentrate on playing football. I hardly even read the newspapers anymore. All that counts is that the club, Coach and teammates have faith in me."
Pinturicchio has long been a controversial figure among Italian supporters, loved by the Bianconeri faithful but often singled out for insults when the Azzurri struggle at major tournaments.
The latest snub came from his childhood hero and former Juve legend Michel Platini, who noted this week that Del Piero "used to have some qualities."
"Michel has always been my idol," said the Juventus captain, "but it's been a fair few years since I took his poster down off my wall."
"As for the rest, I am well aware that the press manages to amplify everything, so that a mistake is blown up out of all proportion and a goal turns you into a national hero. Everyone needs to look at football in a more balanced fashion, even though I'm used to this song and dance by now."
Del Piero was the man who replaced Roberto Baggio in the Juventus Number 10 shirt and was meant to fulfil his role with the Azzurri, but as he nears 30 the player is determined to conquer the trophy that has eluded him since 1996.
"We are concentrated," he said ahead of tonight's Champions' League preliminary round tie with Djurgarden.
"Juventus are not underestimating anyone and if there is someone who considers this match a pure formality then they do not belong in this team. We must seek out and expose their frailties without conceding a precious away goal at the Delle Alpi."
Juventus 2 - 2 Djurgarden
Football Italia
Juventus were given a rude awakening in their Champions' League qualifier and fought back from 2-0 down to salvage a draw at the Delle Alpi. They must now win in Sweden or play out a high-scoring draw in order to qualify for the competition proper.
Juventus were the over-riding favourites for victory in this Champions' League preliminary round tie against Swedish League winners Djurgardens. Fabio Capello's first official match was without the injured Pavel Nedved, Mauro German Camoranesi and suspended Jonathan Zebina, while it was the first time this club has ever gone through a qualifier for the European Cup.
With this in mind, Capello fielded a trident attack of Fabrizio Miccoli, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet in the driving rain of Turin.
However, it was a tough start for the Bianconeri, as within the opening four minutes Gianluigi Buffon was forced into two difficult saves. First he firmly held on to Matias Concha's drive, then needed quick reflexes to tip a spectacular glancing header from Stenman over the bar.
Juve tried to fight back with Miccoli's odd finish with the outside of his right foot, well held by the Swedish goalkeeper, and the little forward set up Trezeguet only for the Frenchman to lose his footing. Their most dangerous player was Gianluca Zambrotta, who often earned free kicks and space down the left flank with his trademark runs.
Yet the Swedes remained dangerous and a deflected Hysen effort risked drifting over Buffon. There was an even worse scare on the half-hour mark, as Hysen's header was toe-poked into the net by Stenman, but the linesman correctly raised his flag for an offside position.
Manuele Blasi received the first booking of the game for a very high tackle on Karlsson, but just before the break Juventus had their best chance of the first half. Zambrotta's centre found the head of Emerson and goalkeeper Dembo Tourray did remarkably well to turn it over the bar with the edge of one hand.
Soon after, Tourray was again crucial as he got down to flick a Blasi angled drive round the far post.
However, in the final minute of the first half Alessio Tacchinardi flew in with a completely mis-timed tackle on Arneng and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Johansson stepped up and successfully converted past Buffon to give Djurgarden the lead and what could be a decisive away goal.
The Bianconeri were given a good chance to get back into the game within the first minute of the restart, but Tacchinardi was unable to take advantage of a defensive error.
Instead, it was Djurgarden who made it two moments later. Hysen combined with Arneng inside the penalty area and the static defenders allowed Hysen to thump an angled drive into the far corner past a helpless Buffon.
Juventus got back into the game within two minutes, as a wayward Zambrotta effort from the edge of the box was caught on Trezeguet's foot and the Frenchman did well to sweep it past the goalkeeper from six yards.
Capello chose to make a substitution soon after, replacing Tacchinardi with young Uruguayan midfielder Ruben Olivera.
Miccoli wanted a penalty when he rushed into the box between two defenders, but the nudge from Karlsson was slight at best and the referee waved play on.
Trezeguet's goal seemed to shake the team out of its turpor and they started playing good football for the first time in the match, but Emerson ended a sweeping move with a shot that was clearly over the bar.
On the hour mark Del Piero and Zambrotta combined brilliantly and the cross in to Olivera was charged down by some desperate defending.
The pressure paid off and moments later Emerson scored the first goal of his Juventus career. The former Roma man rose to nod in a curling Olivera cross from eight yards and draw the tie level on 2-2.
Miccoli was particularly tense and booked for a sneaky kick on Karlsson, but the Bianconeri kept on pushing with an inspured Olivera. This time Del Piero trapped his cross and cut it back for Miccoli's first time shot, parried with some difficulty by Tourray.
Trezeguet failed to latch on to Miccoli's through ball, then Del Piero was caught offside at the end of another good team move. As the rain began to pour down, the conditions made it increasingly difficult to pass the ball around cleanly and the furious tempo subsided.
There was a surprise substitution ten minutes from time, as Marcelo Zalayeta and Alessandro Birindelli replaced captain Del Piero and Lillian Thuram. This meant Juve ended the game with three Uruguayan internationals on the field.
The appalling conditions almost handed Trezeguet a goal, as his effort skimmed along the ground and was bundled out by Tourray. At the other end there was a similar scenario, as Buffon fell on top of the ball when clearing a backpass with a Djurgarden player Hysen lurking behind him.
Trezeguet thought he had scored the 3-2 with a splendid chip, but the goal was correctly disallowed for offside, then Miccoli's free kick flew over the bar. The Swedes had the last chance of the game in stoppages with substitute Larssen's header off target.
Juventus: Buffon; Thuram (Birindelli 82), Montero, Legrottaglie, Zambrotta; Blasi, Tacchinardi (Olivera 52), Emerson; Miccoli, Del Piero (Zalayeta 78), Trezeguet
Djurgarden: Tourray; Concha, Kuivasto, Storm, Karlsson; Stenman (Bapupa 82), Arneng, Johansson; Johannesson, Barsom (Dovicovic 67), Hysen (Larssen 91)
Ref: Fandel (Ger)
Capello remains confident
Football Italia
Fabio Capello insists his Juventus side did not disappoint him despite a shock 2-2 home draw with Djurgarden. "I'd say we played an excellent second half and deserved more," said the Coach. "Unfortunately, just as we were putting the pressure on the rain poured down and made it impossible to play football."
The Bianconeri had been 2-0 down after 48 minutes following Alessio Tacchinardi's unnecessary foul for a penalty and static defending on the second goal. "It's a shame, as we conceded a penalty in first half injury time and then let in another avoidable goal at the start of the second period."
Nonetheless, Capello maintains that his decision to field the trident attack of Fabrizio Miccoli, David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero was correct.
"I am convinced that my tactics were right and after the break we put on an even more attacking player in Ruben Olivera. It's a question of balance and pace, as in the first half we weren't passing the ball around quickly enough."
"Considering we were 2-0 down," concluded Capello, "I can only say that my players have done very well to turn that situation around."
The players were slightly less confident following this disappointing performance and know they'll need a massive improvement to reach the Champions' League.
"This is certainly not the real Juventus," stated goalscorer Emerson. "We knew it would be difficult, as Djurgarden kept putting ten men behind the ball and going forward only on the counter-attack."
The former Roma man may only just have arrived, but he is already taking a leadership role within the side. "There is another game in two weeks' time and we've really got to sort ourselves out, right here and now. There is no more time to waste if we are to enter the Champions' League."
Juventus, Lazio locked in player swap talks
Tribal Football
Juventus and Lazio are locked in talks over several players this week. Juve director general Luciano Moggi has offered Olivier Kapo and Marcelo Zalayeta, plus £2.5 million - on request of coach Fabio Capello - in exchange for wing-back pair Massimo Oddo and Cesar.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito has rejected the offer and instead is demanding that Giorgio Chiellini, Mark Iuliano and Igor Tudor come to Rome instead. Juve are considering the proposal and in the meantime have also asked Lotito about striker Simone Inzaghi, who Capello fancies as an understudy for David Trezeguet this season.
River Plate president aware of Arsenal, Juventus push for Mascherano
Tribal Football
The president of River Plate Jose Maria Aguilar has admitted he is aware that several European clubs are after his young gem, Javier Mascherano.
Arsenal are favourites from Juventus for the 20 year-old Argentina international, but Aguilar insists he has not fielded any official approach from Europe for the young midfielder.
"At this moment I have not received any fax," he said. "I know that in Europe there's alot of talk about Mascherano, but nobody has contacted us."
Arsenal are said to be preparing a £7.5 million offer for Mascherano, who is also being tracked by Juve's South American representatives in Argentina.
Tottenham deal close for Juventus defender Tudor
Tribal Football
Tottenham hope to wrap up a deal for Juventus defender Igor Tudor before Saturday.
Spurs are offering £2 million for the Croatia international, who has told close friends that a move to White Hart Lane is now his favoured option.
Negotiations over personal terms have proved trickier, but Spurs officials remain confident a deal will soon be struck.
Juventus turn to Ajax's Heitinga
Tribal Football
Juventus are considering a move for Ajax defender John Heitinga. After failing in bids to land Arsenal centre-half Sol Campbell and Bayern Munich's Sammy Kuffour, Juve are now turning their attentions to Heitinga, says Tuttsport.
Juve enjoy a good relationship with Ajax and have been following Heitinga's progress over the last 12 months. AC Milan are also tracking the teenager, with chief scout Cesare Maldini having watched him at Euro2004.
Tuesday 10 August
Jankulovski waits for Juve
Football Italia
Talk of Marek Jankulovski's move to Juventus has been around for six months, but he remains confident the switch will be completed.
"I have faith in my agents and the two clubs," commented the Czech Republic international. "I have the feeling that sooner or later an agreement will be reached by all parties. In Italy there is always a lot of talk, but at the end of the day the negotiations do generally reach a conclusion."
The Udinese midfielder, who can also play as a fullback for his country, is a wanted man following his fine showing in Euro 2004. Tottenham are putting pressure on the player to attempt a Premiership stint, while Inter are also keeping an eye on him, but he has known for months that Turin was to be his favoured destination.
"Obviously, to play alongside my fellow countryman and good friend Pavel Nedved would be the best that I could hope for. I must have patience. In any case," added Jankulovski, "I am still an Udinese player and would give my all for this club for the remaining two years of my contract."
Bianconeri increase Oddo bid
Football Italia
Massimo Oddo looks set to join Juventus over the next week, while Igor Tudor is heading towards the Premiership.
Newspapers have long been linking the Lazio fullback with the Bianconeri, but so far the deal has been on the back burner. However, it's believed that recent friendly outings have pushed Juve to make a firm bid for the 28-year-old defender.
Oddo would be available for £2m cash plus a player, who is likely to be either Mark Iuliano or Alessandro Birindelli. Lazio are keen on taking Under-21 international Giorgio Chiellini instead, but the ex-Livorno player is also wanted by Udinese as part of their deal for Marek Jankulovski.
Meanwhile, there are more changes afoot in the Juventus defence with rumours that Igor Tudor has chosen his next club. The Croatian, who can also play in midfield, is sought after in the Premiership and reportedly has an agreement in place with Tottenham. However, the two clubs have not yet worked out the terms of this move.
Juventus chief confident over Lazio's Oddo
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is confident he will land Lazio wing-back Massimo Oddo before the summer window shuts.
Moggi has held a series of talks with Lazio president Claudio Lotito since he took over the Rome club about Oddo and terms have been agreed over a £2 million deal. Juve want a cash-plus-player swap and have offered several players to Lazio, including Mark Iuliano and youngster Chiellini.
Arsenal invite Inter Milan, Juventus to join Vieira race
Tribal Football
Arsenal have told rival clubs that Patrick Vieira is for sale. The Gunners are hoping to drive up Vieira's price and have made Juventus and Inter Milan aware that the Frenchman will be sold this month, says the Daily Mail. Real Madrid remain favourites to sign Vieira, though are yet to agree terms with either the club or player so far.
Juventus defender Tudor set for Spurs
Tribal Football
Juventus defender Igor Tudor has agreed a move to Tottenham. The Croatia international has been told by new Juve coach Fabio Capello that he can leave and has since held talks with Spurs.
Tudor has reportedly told close friends that he wants a move to Tottenham and is confident an agreement can be struck, though personal terms are still some way from being struck.
Mutu's agent slams "disaster" Chelsea chief
Tribal Football
The agent of Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has blasted chief executive Peter Kenyon over the way his client's move to Juventus collapsed.
"On Wednesday evening, Juventus agreed with everything and we were close to taking the aeroplane to Turin," Giovanni Becali told skysports.com. "But on Thursday morning Abramovich said that his intention is to keep Mutu.
"I thought that after so many years with Manchester he (Kenyon) knows more about football but frankly he seems able to speak about marketing, not about football. A disaster."
He added: "Now, Mutu still has the possibility to move to Juve but Monaco also want him very much. He wants a team where he can become a star. In this direction, Juve is a bigger team, Chelsea is still a new one. For Adi, it will be better to play for Juve. I think that the transfer could be done."
Capello considers Miccoli gamble
Football Italia
Juventus must beat Djurgarden at the Delle Alpi tomorrow evening, but injury worries could push Fabio Capello into a gamble on Fabrizio Miccoli.
"I am confident," stated the Coach, "because I can see that the players are nearly at peak fitness and we have been working all month with the express intention of being ready for this European match."
Swedish outfit Djurgarden were considered among the easiest possible draws for the Champions' League preliminary round, but the tactician is cautious as ever.
"They are a loose cannon in this competition," warned Capello. "I have only seen videotapes of them so far, but they seem to be an organised and pacey side. Their players are also fairly tall, so they will be a danger on set-pieces."
The Bianconeri are without a series of star names, as Mauro German Camoranesi, Pavel Nedved and the suspended Jonathan Zebina are out of action. Giorgio Chiellini and Stephen Appiah are also out of contention due to their participation in the Athens Olympics.
"It is my first Champions' League qualifier," confessed the former Roma boss, "but everyone must adapt and get into gear from the very first minute."
These worries could push Capello to make some major changes, above all fielding a trident attack with Alessandro Del Piero and Fabrizio Miccoli supporting David Trezeguet.
The ex-Perugia starlet has been perhaps the form man of the summer for Juve and has probably done enough to earn himself a starting place for this crunch match.
Lilian Thuram has recovered from a shoulder injury to start on the right side of defence, while Gianluca Pessotto can step in if Gianluca Zambrotta is pushed further up the field. Another option is to include Miccoli upfront, with the versatile Zambrotta switching to his old right wing position.
Probable Juventus line-up: Buffon; Thuram, Ferrara, Legrottaglie, Pessotto; Zambrotta, Tacchinardi, Emerson, Miccoli; Del Piero, Trezeguet
Monday 09 August
Trez can handle Juve trident
Football Italia
Juventus have precious few alternatives for Tuesday's crunch tie with Djurgarden, but David Trezeguet wants an all-out trident attack.
"We know that we will be facing a team that won't leave us much room for manoeuvre and can put eleven men in defence," he noted of the Swedish champions, "but at Juventus you can't beat around the bush. We must try to win both home and away."
The transfer market hasn't given Coach Fabio Capello many alternatives upfront, while injuries have ruled out Pavel Nedved, Mauro Camoranesi, Mark Iuliano and possibly Lilian Thuram, Igor Tudor and Paolo Montero as well.
"Fabrizio Miccoli, Alessandro Del Piero and myself are on fine form," assured the Frenchman. "Alex is particularly geared up for this game and he is always very concentrated when the Coach is imparting advice."
"It is very important for my style of play that Del Piero is doing well. With Miccoli in such good condition as well, it would be a shame to leave one of us on the bench."
It is possible Capello will field the trident upfront, something he often did at Roma over the last couple of seasons, although that can leave a weak defence open to the counter-attack.
The real changes over the summer have been in the midfield, where Emerson has quickly taken a leading role. "I must give Emerson my compliments," noted Trezeguet. "He is a great Champion and one who is already proving his qualities in a Juve jersey."
The Bianconeri have been far from sparkling during their pre-season friendlies, leaking goals and scoring with great difficulty, but Trezeguet is confident that will pass.
"This is the first major test of the season and those friendly games don't count. We have until now been doing very heavy fitness training, but today started working in a different way to best prepare for the Djurgarden match."
Juventus offer Olivera for Lazio's Cesar
Tribal Football
Juventus have made a new offer for Lazio wing-back Cesar. The Brazilian is a priority target for Inter Milan trainer Roberto Mancini, but Lazio are still to receive a bid from the Nerazzurro. Juve have offered midfielder Ruben Olivera in exchange for Cesar.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito is interested, but wants a cash component included. For Cesar, his favoured choice remains Inter.
Sunday 08 August
Capello calls for new signings
Football Italia
Juventus have lost out on Adrian Mutu and Fabio Capello warns they cannot afford to pinch the pennies on the transfer market. "In order to be competitive," pointed out the Coach, "you need a large squad with plenty of alternatives to choose from. We still have time, but I am waiting for some new buys."
The Bianconeri were expected to make sweeping changes with the arrival of Capello, but they have also parted company with Marco Di Vaio and Enzo Maresca. Nonetheless, the tactician is most content with the arrival of his former Roma star Emerson after months of legal wrangling.
"The Brazilian has already entered the hearts of the Juventus fans," he assured. "He is a classy player and very gritty, just the kind you need to spur on the whole team."
The first challenge for Capello's era in Turin is to get past Swedish outfit Djurgarden in order to enter the Champions' League proper.
"The whole team is working well," he insisted despite some disappointing friendly outings, "and I could see their desire to win. I really liked Alessandro Del Piero's performance. He is a great player and a lot of the criticism he receives is unfair. Gianluca Zambrotta moves better as a fullback, but can push forward when needed."
Juve are forced to do without several top stars for the first leg against Djurgarden on Tuesday evening. Mauro Camoranesi and Pavel Nedved are out with knee problems, while Lilian Thuram is unlikely to recover from a shoulder injury in time.
Juve: We were offered Mutu
Football Italia
Another development in the Adrian Mutu saga has emerged with Juve's claims Chelsea pushed the player towards them.
"Juventus have never put in a transfer request for Mutu," announced director general Luciano Moggi after the deal fell through. "Chelsea offered us the player on a free - and I'd like to underline free - loan spell with the option to buy at the end of the season."
"After we accepted an initial approach and agreed to begin talks, the Premiership side thought it was in our interests to buy Mutu. At that point our answer was no."
This is not the way that the press in both Italy and England had pictured the scenario, as it was reported the Bianconeri called on Mutu as a replacement for Marco Di Vaio.
Notoriously wily director general Moggi has been known to play the press with contradicting statements, so newspapers aren't reading too much into the comments.
However, if Chelsea were offering Mutu to Serie A sides then that makes it increasingly likely he will make a return to the Peninsula this summer. Fiorentina have confirmed they are still interested in the former Inter, Verona and Parma striker and would be able to afford the £7m buy-out clause.
Milan move in on Gilardino
Football Italia
The future of Alberto Gilardino hangs in the balance as Milan now join the fray, but his agent believes it'll be a last minute deal whatever the destination.
"We haven't heard of any contact with Milan," maintained representative Francesco Romano after the rumour emerged this morning. Gilardino is in training with the Under-21 side and is currently concentrating only on the Olympics. From next week we will begin to consider our options."
The Parma striker has made it clear on numerous occasions that he favours a switch to Roma and even stated he felt "60 per cent a Giallorossi player already," but his £16m price-tag is too steep for the cash-strapped Capital club.
Juventus had also been heavily linked with the 22-year-old, especially after their move for Adrian Mutu collapsed on Friday, but a new theory is emerging over this weekend. Newspapers suggest that Milan will bid for Gilardino following the continuing injury worries of Pippo Inzaghi, although a move is more likely in January than the summer.
Parma director Luca Baraldi continues to insist that the star striker will not be sold for any price, but few believe that is the case, especially with Gilardino's public call to Roma.
"Anything could happen," added his agent Romano. "Roma could put the pressure on, just as Juventus could revive their interest. He is an intelligent lad with a contract tying him to Parma until 2006. In any case, we must wait for the end of the Olympics before taking steps."
Saturday 07 August
Mutu's Juve move off
Football Italia
Adrian Mutu's proposed move to Juventus has been called off after his agent claims Chelsea changed the terms of the deal.
"Chelsea asked to have first choice over any future transfer," revealed representative Ioan Becali this evening, "but Juve's directors rejected that proposal. Mutu will be a Chelsea player for the next four seasons."
This is a bitter blow for the Bianconeri, who had seemed set to seal his loan switch over the weekend. However, problems emerged this afternoon with claims that the Stamford Bridge outfit would only agree if Juve paid £7m at the end of the season to make the move permanent.
The Romanian joined Chelsea from Parma last summer for £15.8m and has only fulfilled one year of his five-season contract.
Camoranesi out of Champs clash
Football Italia
Juve's injury worries are mounting ahead of the Champions' League preliminary round tie, as Mauro German Camoranesi is out of action, while there is a hitch in Adrian Mutu's move.
The Italian international sprained his left knee during training and will not be able to take the field of play for at least two weeks. This rules him out of the first leg clash with Swedish side Djurgarden on August 10 and will probably make it difficult to recover in time for the second match two weeks later.
It is the latest setback for Fabio Capello's side, who are already without the injured Pavel Nedved due to the sprained knee he suffered with the Czech Republic in the Euro 2004 semi-final. With David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero struggling to find form and no replacement signed for Marco Di Vaio, the Bianconeri will have a limited squad for the Stadio Delle Alpi encounter.
Meanwhile, there are fresh reports of problems in their bid for Adrian Mutu, which his agents claimed was all set to be concluded this afternoon. Italian newspapers believe Chelsea have now asked for Juve to pay his entire wages during the one-season loan spell and fixed his price-tag to make the move permanent at £7m.
Udinese tell Spurs, Juventus: Jankulovski fee stands
Tribal Football
Udinese will not budge from their £6.5 million valuation for midfielder Marek Jankulovski. Juventus director general Luciano Moggi held talks with Udinese counterpart Pierpaolo Marino yesterday and was informed that Jankulovski's price would remain, despite the summer market deadline drawing nearer.
Tuttosport says Marino told Moggi: "Our price stands. We believe the valuation is a true reflection of the current market, when considering players such as Matuzalem, Perrotta and Cesar. If Juve remain interested then we will continue to talk."
Udinese are also waiting on Tottenham to make an offer, where coach Jacques Santini is urging chairman Daniel Levy to bid for Jankulovski.
Juventus offering Iuliano for Parma's Bonera
Tribal Football
Juventus are prepared to offer Mark Iuliano in part-exchange for Parma fullback Daniele Bonera. Parma are asking £8 million for the Italy U21 international - which is pricing Juve out of a deal. However, coach Fabio Capello has given the green light to sacrifice stopper Iuliano to bring Bonera to Turin.
Juve are looking for a cash-plus-Iuliano swap for Bonera, who is also being chased by Inter Milan and Roma.
